Collective Bargaining Agreement Saves Misl

July 19, 1988|By John Leptich.

Following a series of conference calls between Major Indoor Soccer League owners and MISL Players Association Director John Kerr, a four-year collective bargaining agreement was reached in principal late Monday night.

The pact replaces one reached April 15 and, apparently, saves the 10-year-old league from what appeared to be almost certain death.

The settlement came after three bargaining sessions, with time allotted between each for what league officials called ``recess,`` fitting terminology, given the league`s recent drop from 11 teams to six and uncertain future.

With the new agreement, as many as nine teams may play the 1988-89 season. The Chicago Sting pulled out of the league 11 days ago.

``This agreement will stabilize the league and attract expansion,`` said Commissioner Bill Kentling.

The agreement, which runs through June 30, 1992, allows a salary cap of between $750,000-$850,000 for 18 professional players. Another $25,000 can be allotted for developmental players.

Additionally, any future increase or decrease of the cap will be determined later by a profit-sharing method or average club gross revenues. Teams may keep current players or release them to free agency.

``Both parties believe the sport, given the recent change in the climate in the United States, is on a progressive path to stabilization and prosperity,`` said Kerr.